School for Scoundrels (1960)

Based on the Stephen Potter "One Upmanship" and "Lifemanship" books, Henry Palfrey tries hard to impress but always loses out to the rotter Delauney. Then he discovers the Lifeman college ... See full summary »

Directors:

Robert Hamer, Hal E. Chester (uncredited)

Writers:

Stephen Potter (novels), Patricia Moyes (screenplay)

Stars:

Ian Carmichael, Terry-Thomas, Alastair Sim

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ian Carmichael	...	Henry Palfrey
Terry-Thomas	...	Raymond Delauney
Alastair Sim	...	Mr. S. Potter
Janette Scott	...	April Smith
Dennis Price	...	Dunstan
Peter Jones	...	Dudley
Edward Chapman	...	Gloatbridge
John Le Mesurier	...	Head Waiter
Irene Handl	...	Mrs. Stringer
Kynaston Reeves	...	General
Hattie Jacques	...	1st Instructress
Hugh Paddick	...	Instructor
Barbara Roscoe	...	2nd Instructress
Gerald Campion	...	Proudfoot
Monte Landis	...	Fleetsnod (as Monty Landis)

Storyline

Based on the Stephen Potter "One Upmanship" and "Lifemanship" books, Henry Palfrey tries hard to impress but always loses out to the rotter Delauney. Then he discovers the Lifeman college run by "Professor" Potter and discovers the secrets of success. But has he the courage to put all his lessons into effect?

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Plot Keywords:

romantic rivalry | lifemanship | gamesmanship | clothesmanship | partymanship | 

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Taglines:

Learn to gain weight by LOSING scruples!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 March 1960 (UK)

Also Known As:

School for Scoundrels or How to Win Without Actually Cheating

Filming Locations:

Lambeth, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Associated British Picture Corporation (ABPC),Guardsman Films

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First film acting of Jeremy Lloyd.

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Goofs

After the restaurant meal, Delauney apologizes that he cant give them both a lift because he only has his two seater with him so he offers to take April home in his two-seater. Later, though both men travel in the car to the second tennis match and apparently intending to collect April on the way.

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Quotes

Mr. Potter: Just remember, if you're not one up on the other fellow, then he's one up on you.

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Connections

Edited into Heroes of Comedy: Terry-Thomas (1995)

User Reviews

a neglected gem

Don't hesitate: this jolly little movie is pretty much impeccable.

An excellent script, which never falters. And a BOFFO cast of British actors. The quintessential role for Terry-Thomas (tho' "Magnificent Men" is a close second).

But also fine turns from Alistair Sim, John Le Mesurier, Hugh Paddick, Peter Jones. Hattie Jacques does an hilarious voice-parody of Joan Greenwood. Janette Scott is VERY good in a thankless "skirt" role; what a charming personality.

Old car fans will love this. The sport-cars and the mocked-up vintage "Swiftmobile" are worth the price of admission alone. (Sadly, the production designer / props chaps are as yet uncredited at IMDb: perhaps the information is lost.) Very nice camera-setups. Amusingly cheesy sets. A really excellent score from John Addison that is up to Georges Auric's standard.

This has a very jolly, intimate ambiance: a sense of small scale. Feels rather like the b&w Tati movies.

Ahem. Unlike many British comedies, I can really see the attraction of remaking this: the material is so damned good that it could use another go-round, without necessarily insulting the original.